I have seen and heard several homeschool moms getting discouraged, burned out, or overwhelmed. I've been there, done that :). I think it's important for us moms (and dads) to encourage one another and learn from one another in our homeschooling journey/adventure! I'd like to share what I've learned... I am still learning and relying on God every single day. I hope what I share here may encourage some.
My "top ten tips" are:
1. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Pray, pray, and pray continually.
3. Instill in your children love for God, passion for His word, and desire to please & serve Him.
4. Focus on building your kids’ character, training their attitudes, and tying heart strings.
5. Lead by example; walk the talk; be real and humble. Give grace and forgiveness (there will be plenty of opportunities to do so :)!)
6. Stay committed to homeschooling; be enthusiastic about learning/acquiring wisdom & knowledge. Remind yourself from time to time why you've chosen to homeschool your kids.
7. Don’t sweat the academic stuff; embrace an eternal perspective.
8. These (whatever struggles you’re facing) too shall pass.
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions (mercies) never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
9. Don't compare yourself to other homeschool moms or compare your kids to other homeschool kids. Each kid and each family are unique. Each has different strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Encourage and equip your kids to be who God made them to be.
10. Enjoy and cherish your time together (kids grow up so fast). Their relationship with Christ and their relationship with their parents (and siblings if any) are more important than anything else you may accomplish through homeschooling.
"Educating our children includes more than arithmetic and spelling; it includes building character. No educational pursuit can replace the deep need for a generation of children to be brought up first in the ‘nurture and admonition’ of the Lord." ~Rick Williamson
What Have I Taught?
(By Betty DeMers Parkes)
If my children can quote Shakespeare
with feeling and understanding,
but think only of themselves,
…then what have I taught?
If they can spell scientific words,
and write 16 page reports,
but have no compassion for other,
…then what have I taught?
If they can work algebraic equations,
but do not think of how their words or actions
may affect someone else,
…then what have I taught?
If my high schooler gets into Harvard,
but doesn’t have a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ
…then what have I taught?
If my children are in the 99th percentile rankings
on all their standardized tests,
but resent being with their family
…then what have I taught?
If my nine-year-old reads Tolstoy,
and my seven-year-old knows all the times tables,
but they cannot play together
without hurt feelings and tears,
…then what have I taught?
My "top ten tips" are:
1. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Pray, pray, and pray continually.
3. Instill in your children love for God, passion for His word, and desire to please & serve Him.
4. Focus on building your kids’ character, training their attitudes, and tying heart strings.
5. Lead by example; walk the talk; be real and humble. Give grace and forgiveness (there will be plenty of opportunities to do so :)!)
6. Stay committed to homeschooling; be enthusiastic about learning/acquiring wisdom & knowledge. Remind yourself from time to time why you've chosen to homeschool your kids.
7. Don’t sweat the academic stuff; embrace an eternal perspective.
8. These (whatever struggles you’re facing) too shall pass.
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions (mercies) never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
9. Don't compare yourself to other homeschool moms or compare your kids to other homeschool kids. Each kid and each family are unique. Each has different strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Encourage and equip your kids to be who God made them to be.
10. Enjoy and cherish your time together (kids grow up so fast). Their relationship with Christ and their relationship with their parents (and siblings if any) are more important than anything else you may accomplish through homeschooling.
"Educating our children includes more than arithmetic and spelling; it includes building character. No educational pursuit can replace the deep need for a generation of children to be brought up first in the ‘nurture and admonition’ of the Lord." ~Rick Williamson
What Have I Taught?
(By Betty DeMers Parkes)
If my children can quote Shakespeare
with feeling and understanding,
but think only of themselves,
…then what have I taught?
If they can spell scientific words,
and write 16 page reports,
but have no compassion for other,
…then what have I taught?
If they can work algebraic equations,
but do not think of how their words or actions
may affect someone else,
…then what have I taught?
If my high schooler gets into Harvard,
but doesn’t have a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ
…then what have I taught?
If my children are in the 99th percentile rankings
on all their standardized tests,
but resent being with their family
…then what have I taught?
If my nine-year-old reads Tolstoy,
and my seven-year-old knows all the times tables,
but they cannot play together
without hurt feelings and tears,
…then what have I taught?
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